NFL: Five facts about the Super Bowl
Several records could be on the line at Sunday's Super Bowl between the New England Patriots and Atlanta Falcons. AFP looks at the milestones under threat at the 51st edition of the showpiece:
RECORD APPEARANCE
The New England Patriots have reached the Super Bowl nine times, more than any other franchise in history.
Victory on Sunday would give them five wins, putting them level with the Dallas Cowboys and the San Francisco 49ers in the all-time standings.
The Pittsburgh Steelers have the most Super Bowl championships with six.
HOLY TRINITY
New England could become the first team in history to win five Super Bowls with the same owner, head coach and quarterback.
The trinity of owner Robert Kraft, head coach Bill Belichick and quarterback Tom Brady have enjoyed an unparalleled era of dominance since their first Super Bowl win in 2002.
BRADY BOWL?
Tom Brady will move one clear of his childhood idol Joe Montana, and Pittsburgh Steelers great Terry Bradshaw, if he clinches a record fifth Super Bowl on Sunday.
The 39-year-old has already reached more Super Bowls than any quarterback in history with seven appearances, two more than Denver Broncos legend John Elway.
No. 10 FOR BELICHICK
Bill Belichick's 10th Super Bowl means he has had more appearances in the showpiece game as a head coach or assistant coach than any other man in history.
As well as his seven Super Bowls since taking over as head coach of the Patriots in 2000, he also appeared in the game three times as an assistant coach during stints with the New York Giants and Patriots.
WAITING OVER?
While New England have enjoyed an era of success since 2002 with seven Super Bowl appearances, the Atlanta Falcons are still waiting for their first championship.
Sunday's finale is only the second time they have reached the Super Bowl, with their only other appearance coming in 1999, when they were beaten 34-19 by the Denver Broncos.
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